1.13.2013

Ready for round three of this Tell me More "better self" series? Good! If you missed the past two posts, you might want to get all caught up first.

Since my last post was all about getting healthier, more even skin with a few products I really love, now it's time for the fun part... color! There are TONS of super-cool, fancy ways to do eye makeup and lipstick application, but today, I'm just going to be sharing with you my quick, everyday makeup routine.

First, I start with a nude shadow like Urban Decay's Foxy and with an Eye Shader Brush run a bit all over my lid, from my lash line to the top of my brow. Then with the same brush I use a bit of Maybelline Vanilla, or any other sort of very light/white shadow and swipe a small amount right below my eyebrow and on the inside portion of my eye. Doing this helps create bright spots on your lid that you want to stand out, or not appear as dark. Putting a little white shadow in these two places helps give the illusion that your eye is wider and brighter.

Next I use my favorite NYX matte gray shadow; Craving. With a blending brush I apply a bit to the crease of my eyelid and then feather it out a little, making sure not to go much higher with this color than the arch bone on my lid. After that's done I go back with a little more Craving and dab it directly on that crease again, to darken up JUST that area. Giving my shadow some dimension.

You don't want to go too close to the inner part of your lid, because then it closes your eye, and also makes it look like you have dark circles.

My next step is liner. Thanks to Becki, lately I've been obsessed with Lorac's liquid liner. You can get it in a few different shades, but I usually go for the black.

Carefully, I start at the inner potion of my eyelid along the lash line and draw a very thin line, then as I bring the line across my lid and to the outer part of my eye, I thicken the line up and sweep it out/up towards my brow. Below you can see a before and after.

It's definitely resembles a cat-eye type look but in a very minimal way, giving more round-shaped eyes a sexier, brighter look.

This next step isn't something I do ALL the time, but it's definitely a good way to give your eye an extra little pop! Take some white liner, I use NYX Pure White, and put a little right along the inner most portion of your lid.

Make sure to go above your black liner, and not over it. If you've had a long night or your eyes are a bit red, this technique will help them to appear more awake and alert. Once that's all done you can add some mascara to your lashes as well.

But if I'm going somewhere a bit fancier or want to dress up my everyday makeup, I'll use a deep pink, coral or red to make everything appear more dramatic. The color I have on below is Revlon's Raspberry Bite.

The best thing about these super simple techniques is that they're easy, quick and just by changing your shadow and lip color, you can get lots of different looks for ANY outfit!

I hope this helps some of you who have had questions about brands, colors and all around makeup application. While I appreciate my freckles and naturally red cheeks SOME times, it's nice to sport a more glamours, dolled-up look when I'm heading out to meetings or doing lunch with friends.

:)

Do YOU have makeup favorites? Certain things you can't live without or techniques that just make your life easier, when it comes to getting ready every morning? I'd love to hear!

Beautiful! I'm scared of bright lipsticks. I may take the plunge after reading this post. I have fair skin just like yourself and have always loved the pretty bright lips on Gweneth Stephani and you look amazing with the same look too!!! Love it. :)

Oh Shelley, you are such an inspirational and beautiful person. You are so down to earth and genuine. I love this post. Congratulations on your weight loss. You look amazing!!!!! I love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing. xx Julie

love it - thanks! you mentioned lash extensions in your last post and i'm intrigued. when i asked my hairdresser if she knew anyone that did them well, she warned she heard sometimes it ruins your real lashes and they don't grow back. have you heard this at all? anyone else out there? I have miniscule lashes and a very round face so am curious about them.

I swear by Mac's paint pot in painterly. It's a nude shade and I will pat that on each eyelid before applying any thing else. It helps even out the skin and is a great base that makes my make up "stick". :) Your make up routine is a lot like mine. I keep it simple most times.

Just bought some Sugar Frosting lip Butter by Revlon per your recommendation in another post and I can't wait to try it. Hope it looks as good on me as it does on you! Thanks for sharing all these great tips!

I don't normally wear much make-up. As a redhead, it always seems to look fake on me and I really struggle with finding colors that look natural. I have been trying lately to put a bit more effort into my appearance, including wearing make-up to look more polished. Thanks for the tips, I might just give it a try! You're looking gorgeous by the way!

Love that! I am trying to figure out how to translate it into my dark brunette hair, olive skin, and brown eyes. I thik I just need to tweak the colors a bit and use the same techniques! I have loved your blog forever, but never commented;) I had to share skincare I am in love with. Rodan+Fields Reverse skincare. It LITERALLY gets rid of sun damage, sun spots, and freckles. You would be in love! It made me look 10 yrs. younger. Not that you need it, your skin is stunning. When you mentioned camoflouging your freckles, it made me think you. It is from the doctors that created Proactive. Just had to share! You can look at it all www.arainwater.myrandf.comLoving your blog!!

Thanks so much for sharing all of your tips!!! Love them all...Quick Question ~ with the part on your eye liner and mascara, do you use something special to remove your makeup to care for your eyelash extensions? And, you did mention not wearing mascara with your extensions, correct? Thanks so much!

I love Urban Decay's Eye Potion and pretty much any Urban Decay shadows! If you haven't tried their Big Fat Fatty mascara, try it at least once! Especially with your lashes--they will be like "wa-pow!".The potion keeps my eyeshadow & liner from caking on my creases. Not all eye shadow primers are created equal. I bought the NYX crave eyeshadow & Revlon lip butter! Both amazing!!! Even got compliments last week wearing both.

WOW. Shelly - you look simply gorgeous! I have loved these past three posts. Your transformation has been amazing and the best part is that you are just as beautiful on the inside. Thank you so much for sharing your tips with us! I can't wait to try some of these products. I have make-up favorites that I LOVE and shared them in the post below.

You look gorgeous with or without makeup:) Wonderful tutorial and I love all those products you used I use and love:) I always look forward to see what you're up to!! How do you get wording on the pictures? I love it!!Hugs,Norma

Your look is simply fabulous!Aside from my Ultimate mascara, a couple of things I cannot live without are my Mary Kay eye-primer and my MK eye crease brush! They are amazing! I love that the primer makes your make up stay on longer and stays looking fresh! And I did not know what I was missing out on until I started using an eye crease brush! Such a difference! I will never go back ;} [If you would ever like to try these products, send me a message, as I'm an MK rep!]xoxo hunna2 at gmail .com

Loved this post! Today I went out and got both those lipsticks and tried them out and I love them! The bright one will take a little getting used to since I am not used to bright lipstick, but I love it! Thanks for all your tips! Your style is perfect and matches your fun personality!

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